Privileged view
What's the truth about holidaying in Muslim countries right now? Jonathan Glancey opens our special report in Jordan

To boldly go
If you've always wanted to see the temples and tombs of Luxor or have a taste of the Spice Market in Istanbul, don't be put off. Roger Bray reports

Friends in ancient places
Mary Russell enjoys the traditional hospitality of the old Arab city of Damascus

Medina dates
Tourists may be scarce, but north Africa is still the wild, kaleidoscopic, beautiful maelstrom it always was. Andrew Gilchrist gets happily lost

The view from the other twin towers
Andy Pietrasik finds Malaysia and Indonesia to be tolerant and safe